“Everyone around the nation in the industry has been watching this case,” said Rob Mikos, a Vanderbilt University Law Professor and marijuana law expert.

Given that marijuana is illegal at the federal level, the Reilly’s tried suing under RICO - the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Penalties doled out to Walton would have tripled under a RICO conviction.

But, the Denver jury did not find in favor of the Reilly’s. Mikos said this case does not set a binding legal precedent.

“But, it does likely give other plaintiffs pause before bringing this type of suit,” he said.

This story was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, a collaboration between Wyoming Public Media, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, Yellowstone Public Radio in Montana, KUER in Salt Lake City and KRCC and KUNC in Colorado.